Hastings on Hudson
This local gem is the current family favorite, and the fresh ingredients offered always include a surprise. The chef is creative with flavor combinations, accomplished in the preparation, and remembers us with a smile of greeting when we return. This past visit was especially delightful. The tile fish on the menu made me curious to know if it came from Montauk. (See Fishbar Montauk blog from the summer). Sure enough, it is from that charming town and it is nice to see nearby fisheries patronized, especially with tile fish, which is a moist fluffy fish which I now prefer to halibut.
My husband enjoys the pork and has had it in a number of variations at Juniper, all very satisfying. The roast duck was excellent. The appetizers included gnocchi with a truffle sauce which was outstanding. For dessert, we ordered the pound cake which was toasted lightly and served with amazing lemon curd and creme fraiche. We have now had the pound cake a few different times and it has always been a delight, though I missed the one served with raspberry sauce which I've been told is superb.
I suggest booking advance reservations for weekend evenings. Juniper is a small restaurant, but the atmosphere is warm and the service very gracious. They do not have a liquor license yet so one can eat very well on a budget bringing in your own wine.
The talents of the chef, Alex Sze, can be measured by the happy patrons. I will be returning again, I hope, to enjoy the winter menu at least once more. If I don't make it back until spring that will be a pleasure, too. As the seasons turn, so will come new surprises in fresh delights from Juniper.
We enjoyed Juniper right before we moved! I remember the chef did some surprising pairings that worked really well.
ReplyDelete